Local police reviewing security after Boston bombing, Canadian plot

Authorities in our region said they are stepping up security in light of the Boston Marathon bombings and a Canadian terror arrest.

While there are no known threats to our area, officials said it would be irresponsible for them not to revisit security procedures as the busy summer festival season gets underway.

“I was like, ‘Wow, that's pretty close to home,’” said Cecile Branon, who co-chairs the Vermont Maple Festival, which celebrates its 47th year this weekend.

With thousands expected in Downtown St. Albans for the three-day event, police said they are making sure everything goes smoothly.

“They’re on top of it,” Branon said. “They're in touch with all the other agencies around and they are very much visual in the community.”

“We would be foolish not to assess overall security for these smaller events and make improvements where necessary,” St. Albans Police Chief Gary Taylor said in a statement. “All of the resources at our disposal will be considered and utilized, where appropriate,” he said.

Maj. Walt Goodell handles event permitting for Vermont State Police. Event leaders statewide are likely to review security measures with local, county and state authorities following the bombings and arrests.

“It ramps up the planning process on the front end of these events to make sure that we're considering for all of the potential issues that we could encounter,” Goodell said.

Goodell said the state police employ special teams, like the bomb squad, which could be deployed if needed.

Burlington Deputy Police Chief Andi Higbee said his department is also reviewing procedures ahead of their big gatherings like the Vermont City Marathon.

“Most of these events, these large gatherings, it's not new for us,” Higbee said. “There will be a change as far as exactly what that is, those have not been finalized.”

No officials would comment on exactly what added security meant, but Goodell said more boots could be on the ground and other resources on the ready.

Higbee said his department was waiting to see what other information came out of the Boston arrests as they move forward in their plans.

Essex, Vt., Police Chief Brad LaRose also said his department is reviewing procedures and looking into beefing up security at the town’s Memorial Day Parade and Champlain Valley Fair.

For Branon, an exciting three days lie ahead.

“We’re going to have a great weekend and I think our security up here is going to be great,” she said.

Authorities add they will remain extra vigilant, though there is no reason to believe the Boston bombings or Canadian plot are connected to our region. They ask the public to be watchful as well.